Business
UAE issues sweeping new federal laws to protect biodiversity, regulate quarantine and safeguard food security
The reforms form part of broader efforts to strengthen the UAE’s legislative and regulatory framework governing biodiversity protection, food security, and environmental sustainability.
The new legislation reinforces the UAE’s strategic direction in conserving biodiversity and strengthening legal protection for endangered animal and plant species, while regulating international trade in line with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
UAE updates agriculture laws
It replaces Federal Law No. 11 of 2002 on regulating and controlling international trade in endangered species, which had remained in force for more than 22 years without amendment.
The updated law responds to developments in endangered species protection, strengthens compliance with CITES requirements, and enhances enforcement effectiveness by granting broader executive powers to the national administrative authority.
The scope of legal protection has been expanded to align with periodic amendments to CITES appendices and procedures, while updated and precise definitions have been introduced for key terms including endangered species, pre-convention specimens, falcon passport, shipment, and phytosanitary certificate.
Its provisions apply across all UAE territories, including free zones, and prohibit the import, export, re-export, transit, or introduction from the sea of endangered specimens through all UAE border points.
Expanded powers and tougher penalties
New powers include the authority to dispose of seized specimens in accordance with judicial rulings and the ability to suspend transit or seize specimens where documentation is missing or discrepancies are identified.
Penalties have been significantly strengthened, with fines ranging from AED30,000 to AED2m ($8,170 to $544,500) and custodial penalties of up to four years in certain cases.
Violators must bear all associated costs, including seizure, transport, care, storage, and disposal, with mandatory deportation for foreign offenders in cases of recidivism.
Veterinary quarantine is described as the first line of defence against infectious animal diseases, protecting public health, biodiversity, ecosystems, and national food security.
The new Law on Veterinary Quarantine replaces Federal Law No. 6 of 1979, which had remained in force for 45 years. The updated framework aligns UAE legislation with international animal health standards and enhances oversight of animal consignments entering, leaving, or transiting the country.
It expands definitions to reflect scientific developments, introducing terms such as veterinary quarantine procedures, veterinary health certificate, animal waste, animal feed, and border entry point.
Authorities are empowered to impose precautionary measures, including import bans and temporary quarantine restrictions, based on scientific indicators or international alerts related to transboundary animal diseases, including those listed by the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Animal consignments may only enter the UAE through approved border entry points designated by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, under an integrated system covering prevention, inspection, quarantine, and disposal of infected animals.
Agricultural quarantine and food security
Agricultural quarantine is recognised as a critical safeguard against pests and diseases that threaten food security, public health, environmental protection, and international trade.
The new Law on Agricultural Quarantine replaces Federal Law No. 5 of 1979, modernising the framework in line with amendments to the International Plant Protection Convention and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for agricultural commodity trade.
Updated terminology includes phytosanitary regulations, regulated articles, pests, quarantine pests, beneficial organisms, and phytosanitary certificates. The law applies to plants, plant products, beneficial organisms, and regulated articles imported into, exported from, or transiting through the UAE.
Penalties have been increased, with fines reaching AED500,000 ($136,100) and mandatory deportation for repeat foreign offenders.
Protecting new plant varieties
The Law on the Protection of New Plant Varieties replaces Federal Law No. 17 of 2009 and aims to protect breeders’ rights, encourage agricultural innovation, and enhance food and biosecurity. It aligns UAE legislation with international standards set by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants.
The law establishes a Register for the Protection of New Plant Varieties within the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and defines the role of the Registrar. Protection is granted to varieties that are new, distinct, uniform, and stable, with a protection period of 20 years, extended to 25 years for vines and trees.
Penalties for violations include custodial penalties of up to three years and fines of up to AED250,000 ($68,050).
